Residents press council to enforce trash-can and easement rules; city to review ordinance

Several Bridgeport residents used the public‑comment period at the July 13 city council meeting to demand action on trash cans that neighbors leave in the public easement, which complainants said causes persistent odor and safety problems.

"It's also a community issue," said Sefi Hott, who described cans left for days on Water Street and neighboring blocks and asked the council to ensure the code enforcer enforces the city’s rules. Hott said some neighbors leave cans propped open so odors escape into the street and public areas.

Tim Haught, who said he lives on Limb Ferris Avenue and identified himself as Hott’s husband, called the situation "harassment" and described ladders and bright floodlights he said were placed by the neighboring property. "I've been putting up with this harassment for years," he said.

Interim City Manager Joe told the council the issue raises a legal and practical question about where private property rights end and the city’s right of way or easement begins. "When you read the ordinance, to me it becomes an issue of how do you interpret that," he said, adding that the city’s ordinance requires metal trash cans with tight‑fitting lids and that enforcement is easier when a sidewalk or public obstruction is involved.

Council members asked staff to clarify the city’s authority over items placed in easements and directed community development to include a review of trash‑can rules in a broader ordinance update. Manager Joe said staff would take a closer look at the language and follow up with the council.

The council did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting; members said they expect staff to report back as part of the ordinance‑review work.